PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, PLEASANT POINT.

Temuka Leader, Issue 165, 26 July 1879, Page 2

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, PLEASANT POINT.

1 On Tuesday last the Timaru Presbytery ■ of the- Presbyterian Church met at Plea- ' sant Point for the purpose of ordaining ! the Rev. Mr Alexander, a young clergyman ‘lately sent Out from Edinburgh to labor’ as a Minister in Canterbury. The Presbytery met in the vestry of the church. Present—Rev. G. Barclay, Model rator of the Presbytery ; Rev Mr Gillies, f Revs. Mr Lindsay and Mr Alexander.- Mr Alexander, who had accepted a call to become the Minister of this congregation, | underwent his examination and trial dis- [ courses in a most satisfactory manner, }’• after which, the Presbytery having ad- ; journed to the church, the Rev. Mr Bar- , clay preached a most eloquent serihon to.a large audience, when with the usual prayer | and laying on of hands of the Presbytery ' J the ceremony of ordaining a Minister > under the Presbyterian Church order of i government was completed. Tire E-ev , Mr • Lindsay addressed a few kind arid encouraging words to the newly-ordained Minister. The Rev. Mr Gillies addressed J the congregation on the duty of one and , all to do what in them lies to add to the - comfort of their Minister, especially dwelling rrpon the value of prayer by the ■ various members of the congregation as - the best means that can be used to r encourage hint in his arduous duties, and r reminding them that Mr Alexander, a i young man of great promise, was now their - pastor, and that it was their duty to ! minister to him in temporal things, as it will be his aim to administer to' them : spiritual things. During the service the choir executed some most appropriate pieces of music iu their usual efficient manner. The ceremony over Air Alexander waited at the door, as is customary, , to receive a most hearty welcome by i shaking of hands as the congregation rej tired. A very pleasant social gathering of the Ministers and people then look place, * when, after a sumptuous dinner, expres- ■' sions of goodwill were freely exchanged, ’ i thanks being cordially voted to the Rev. [ I Mr Barclay for the long and punctual ; ‘ discharge of his duties as Minister of the I United Parish of Geraldine, Teumka, and ’ i Pleasant Point, thanks to the Rev. Mr Gillies, moderator for the congregation, • ’ for the interest he had taken in this sot- ; j tleraent. Thanks were also cordially [ ; given to Mr Wilson, Tetnuka, and Mr j Stewart, Orari, fur the great help they had given the congregation in the supply I of services for so many years past, by this moans keeping the congregation together till the happy consummation of their ! earnest wishes should be realised, and a ; 1 good and faithful Minister he settled amongst them. The settlement of Mr Alexander promises to be of great use, not only as a Minister, but as a good and useful settlor, coming amongst them with very high certificates as-a scholar and as a Chiistian. The Point is to be congratulated upon its success in securing this young gentleman, who will doubtless make use of his attainments, not only in the pulpit but in every other way, iu improving the minds and stimulating the aspirations of all and sundry ; especially will Mr Alexander be valuable as an instructor of the young in scriptural knowledge. Several members of the English Church were also present, amongst others Mr Howall, whose presence as a . representative of the English Church, was remarked upc u as an evidence of the cordial and hearty agreement that exists between the two churches, all present expressing a wish that this might long continue.